THE government and key stakeholders have been urged to put in place robust measures to protect children against the impacts of climate change.

During Children’s Conference of Parties (COP 29) simulation held in Dodoma on Thursday, Elda Akyoo from Babati District in Manyara Region emphasized the need for the government to enhance child protection and safety in light of global challenges posed by climate change.

Akyoo highlighted several challenges that children face due to climate change, including child abuse, violence, natural disasters, loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and a lack of essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

To address these issues, she urged the government to rebuild and renovate damaged infrastructure, including water systems, health facilities and schools. 
“Child protection and safety are crucial as they help children avoid the adverse effects of climate change such as floods,” she said.

Akyoo also called for measures to eliminate gender based violence and teenage pregnancies. She stressed the importance of enacting laws and policies to combat climate change impacts and empowering children to advocate for their rights.

Additionally, Akyoo recommended that the government allocate a budget specifically for managing natural disasters. She emphasized the need to involve children in discussions about climate change, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives.

Innocent Estomih, child protection and governance officer at Save the Children, said that the organization was preparing to attend the COP 29 Climate Change meeting scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.

“Save the Children is committed to ensuring that children understand how climate change affects them,” he said.

Estomih emphasized the importance of involving children in discussions about climate issues, encouraging them to participate fully in decisions that impact their lives.

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 29, will be the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This year’s conference will focus on advancing the goals of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, including efforts to limit global warming, adapt to climate impacts, and mobilize financing for these initiatives.

COP meetings primarily revolve around negotiations and debates aimed at reviewing progress towards the overarching goal of UNFCCC: to limit climate change.